Apparatus for storing and transporting semiconductor elements, and method of making the same

ABSTRACT

An apparatus includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first front side wall, a first rear side wall, a top wall, and at least one pivotal pin structure extending from the first rear side wall. The at least one pivotal pin structure comprises a base, a shaft, and a head having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The second portion includes a second front side wall, a second rear side wall, a bottom wall, and at least one pin holder extending from the second rear side wall. The at least one pin holder defines an opening for accepting the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure at an alignment. The head of the at least one pivotal pin structure extends through the opening. The first portion and the second portion are pivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed container configuration.

BACKGROUND

In the fabrication processes for making semiconductor devices,semiconductor substrates such as wafers are processed under clean roomconditions. Off-site analysis of samples of the semiconductor substratesor elements thereof before or after a certain manufacturing step areneeded for different purposes, for example, for quality check. Suchsamples are generally packed in a container for storing, transportingand/or shipping. Containers whose interior offers a clean room climateare therefore necessary for storing the semiconductor wafers and fortransporting the semiconductor wafers to the various processinglocations. The containers should be optimally tight, and should notrelease any contaminating substances, for example, particles or gases.As the wafer size gets larger while the resulting devices are scaled tosmaller sizes, new materials and containers are being considered forprotecting sensitive semiconductor elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the followingdetailed description when read with the accompanying figures. It isnoted that, in accordance with the standard practice in the industry,various features are not drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of thevarious features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity ofdiscussion. Like reference numerals denote like features throughoutspecification and drawings.

FIG. 1A is a top view illustrating an exemplary apparatus in a closedcontainer configuration in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1B illustrates a prospective view of the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a prospective view illustrating the exemplary apparatus ofFIG. 1A in an open configuration.

FIG. 1E is a partial view of an exemplary first portion of the exemplaryapparatus of FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 1F is a partial view of an exemplary second portion of theexemplary apparatus of FIG. 1A in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a partial and prospective view illustrating a verticalcross-section of the walls in the exemplary apparatus of FIG. 1A inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2B is an enlarged detail of FIG. 2A illustrating an interlockingstructure between the first portion and the second portion in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a prospective view illustrating an exemplary latch and anexemplary catch structure on the front side walls of the exemplaryapparatus of FIG. 1A in a closed container configuration in accordancewith some embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a prospective view illustrating the rear side walls of theexemplary apparatus of FIG. 1A in a closed container configuration inaccordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4B is a partial and cross-sectional view illustrating the rear sidewalls of the exemplary apparatus of FIG. 4A in a closed containerconfiguration.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for forming anapparatus in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates that the head of at least one pivotal pin structureextends through the opening of the at least one pin holder when thefirst portion and the second portion are tilted at a pre-determinedangle in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate the apparatus being installed in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 7C is a partial view illustrating an exemplary apparatus, in whichthe head of at least one pivotal pin structure extends through theopening of the at least one pin holder of an exemplary apparatus inaccordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, orexamples, for implementing different features of the invention. Specificexamples of components and arrangements are described below to simplifythe present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and arenot intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a firstfeature over or on a second feature in the description that follows mayinclude embodiments in which the first and second features are formed indirect contact, and may also include embodiments in which additionalfeatures may be formed between the first and second features, such thatthe first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition,the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters inthe various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicityand clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between thevarious embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,”“above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatiallyrelative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of thedevice in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted inthe figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degreesor at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors usedherein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In the present disclosure the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include the plural reference, and reference to a particular numericalvalue includes at least that particular value, unless the contextclearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a sidewall” is a reference to one or more of such structures and equivalentsthereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. When values areexpressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it willbe understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. Asused herein, “about X” (where X is a numerical value) preferably refersto ±10% of the recited value, inclusive. For example, the phrase “about8” preferably refers to a value of 7.2 to 8.8, inclusive; as anotherexample, the phrase “about 8%” preferably (but not always) refers to avalue of 7.2% to 8.8%, inclusive. Where present, all ranges areinclusive and combinable. For example, when a range of “1 to 5” isrecited, the recited range should be construed as including ranges “1 to4”, “1 to 3”, “1-2”, “1-2 & 4-5”, “1-3 & 5”, “2-5”, and the like. Asdiscussed herein, the phrases “substantially the same” or “slightlylarger” may refer to a dimension having variations within ±10% of thebase dimension. It is intended that any component, element, attribute,or step that is positively recited herein may be explicitly excluded inthe claims, whether such components, elements, attributes, or steps arelisted as alternatives or whether they are recited in isolation.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus, and a method of making thesame. The apparatus is used for storing and transporting semiconductorelements. References to “apparatus” made below will be understood toencompass a container, a delivery unit, an assembly, a system thereof,and the like. References to “semiconductor elements” made below will beunderstood to encompass any semiconductor based samples or productsincluding but not limited to wafers, portions of wafers, andsemiconductor devices.

In all the figures, like items are indicated by like reference numerals,and for brevity, descriptions of the structure, provided above withreference to the preceding figures, are not repeated. The methoddescribed in FIG. 5 are described with reference to the exemplarystructures described in FIGS. 6 and 7A-7C, and the figures before FIG.5.

Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1F, an exemplary apparatus 100 is illustrated.Exemplary apparatus 100 comprises two body portions including a firstportion (or a first body portion) 110 and a second portion (or a secondbody portion) 120. The first portion 110 comprises a top wall 111, afirst front side wall 112-1, a first rear side wall 112-2, and twoadditional side walls 112-3 and 112-4. The top wall 111 is integrallycoupled with the first front side wall 112-1, the first rear side wall112-2, and additional side walls 112-3 and 112-4.

The first portion 110 also comprises at least one pivotal pin structure116 integrally coupled with and extending from the first rear side wall112-2. In some embodiments, the at least one pivotal pin structure 116comprises a base support 116-1 connected with the first rear side wall112-2, a shaft 116-2 connected with the base support 116-1, and a head116-3 connected with the shaft 116-2 and having a non-circularcross-sectional shape (FIGS. 1D-1E). In some embodiments, the firstportion 110 is the top portion or the cover of the exemplary apparatus100. In some embodiments, first portion 110 is a unitary molded piece.

The second portion 120 comprises a bottom wall 121, a second front sidewall 122-1, a second rear side wall 122-2, and two additional side wall122-3 and 122-4 integrally connected with the second front side wall122-1 and the second rear side wall 122-2. The bottom wall 121 isintegrally coupled with the second front side wall 122-1, the secondrear side wall 122-2, and the other two additional side wall 122-3 and122-4 (FIGS. 1D and 1F). In some embodiments, the second portion 120 isthe bottom portion of the exemplary apparatus 100. In some embodiments,the second portion 120 is a unitary molded piece.

The second portion 120 also comprises at least one pin holder 126integrally coupled with and extending from the second rear side wall122-2. The at least one pin holder 126 defines an opening 127 sized andshaped to accept the head 116-3 of the at least one pivotal pinstructure 116 at an alignment between the first portion 110 and thesecond portion 120. The head 116-3 of the at least one pivotal pinstructure 116 extends through the opening 127 so as to connect the firstportion 110 and the second portion 120. The first portion 110 and thesecond portion 120 are sized and shaped to be rotatably and pivotallymovable between a closed container configuration (FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C)an open configuration (FIG. 1D).

In some embodiments, the first portion 110 further comprises a latch 114having a projection 114-1 and integrally connected with the first frontside wall 112-1 (FIG. 1D). The second portion 120 further comprises acatch structure 124 defining a recess 125 (FIG. 1D). The catch structure124 integrally connects with the second front wall 122-1. The projection114-1 of the latch 114 has at least a portion releasably secured insidethe recess 125 in the closed container configuration (FIG. 1B). In someembodiments, the projection 114-1 of the latch 114 has an end 114-2,which is configured to be pushed toward to the surface of the secondfront wall 122-1. The projection 114-1 of the latch 114 is released outfrom the recess 125. The first portion 110 can be moved away from thesecond portion 120 so as to form an open configuration (FIG. 1D).

Each wall of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 may be ina square or rectangular shape as illustrated in the drawings of thepresent disclosure. However, these drawings are for illustration only.Each wall of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 may be inany other suitable shape. Two additional side walls 112-3, 112-4, 121-3,and 121-4 may be optional in some embodiments. For example, the frontwalls 112-1 and 121-2, and the rear walls 112-2 and 112-4 may be curvedand directly connected together in some embodiments. When each wall ofthe first portion 110 and the second portion 120 is in a square,rectangular or curved shape, each corner of the exemplary apparatus 100may have a smooth curvature in some embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1E and 1F, in some embodiments, the opening 127 inthe at least one pin holder 126 has a non-circular cross-sectional shapematching with and having substantially the same size as or slightlylarger size than the non-circular cross-sectional shape of the head116-3 of the at least one pivotal pin structure 116. The head 116-3 ofthe at least one pivotal pin structure 116 and the opening 127 of the atleast one pin holder 126 are sized and shaped to allow the head 116-3 topass through the opening 127 when the first portion 110 and the secondportion 120 are tilted at a pre-determined (or a fixed) angle. Thenon-circular cross-sectional shape may be in any suitable shape withstraight or curved lines. Such a shape may have a top portion narroweror wider than the bottom portion, and may have a certain angle on theside portion. Such a shape may lock the first portion 110 and the secondportion 120 during the use of the exemplary apparatus 100. The firstportion 110 and the second portion 120 cannot be separated unless theyare tilted at the fixed angle and the head 116-3 is pulled out using aforce.

In some embodiments, the second portion 120 may further define a slot129, which is optional. The slot 129 may be half-open from the top. Theshaft 116-2 or the head 116-3 of the at least one pivotal pin structure116 is rotatably disposed inside the slot 129. The shaft 116-2 may havea cylindrical or any other suitable shape so as to be rotatable.

In some embodiments, the exemplary apparatus 100 further comprises astorage medium for wireless communication 130 (FIGS. 1A and 1C), forexample, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device. The storagemedium for wireless communication 130 may include aerial signalprocessor and quick response (QR) code for storing information such asidentification of samples inside the exemplar apparatus 100, quantity,weight and history record. RFID uses electromagnetic fields toautomatically identify and track tags or devices attached to theexemplary apparatus 100. Such RFID devices contain electronically storedinformation. Passive tags or devices collect energy from a nearby RFIDreader's interrogating radio waves. Active tags have a local powersource such as a battery and may operate at hundreds of meters from theRFID reader. A receiver such as a computer may be used to record andtrack the information transmitted from the storage medium for wirelesscommunication 130. In some embodiments, a reading device may be used toread out the information in storage medium for wireless communication130. For example, a reading device such as GDE equipment is availablefrom Gudeng Equipment Co., Ltd in Taiwan.

Referring to FIG. 1F, in some embodiments, the second portion 120further comprises a bumper 128 integrally coupled with and extendingfrom the second rear side wall 122-2, and disposed below the at leastone pin holder 126. The storage medium for wireless communication 130 isdisposed in a space between the bumper 128 and the second rear side wall122-2 in some embodiments (FIG. 1C). The storage medium for wirelesscommunication 130 may have an elongated shape such as a cylindrical orrod-like shape. The entrance between the bumper 128 and the second rearside wall 122-2 may have a size smaller than the diameter of the storagemedium for wireless communication 130. A force is needed to push thestorage medium for wireless communication 130 into such a space, and thestorage medium for wireless communication 130 is secured between thebumper 128 and the second rear side wall 122-2.

In addition, in some embodiments, the bumper 128 of the second portion120 is configured to contact the first portion 110 so as to provide thepre-determined angle. The bumper 128 may have a suitable size and shapewith a top end so that the first portion 110 touches the bumper 128 toform the pre-determined angle needed to extend the head 116-3 into theopening 127 or push the head 116-3 out of the opening 127.

Referring to FIGS. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the first portion 110 andthe second portion 120 have matching edges in the side walls 112 and 122to form an interlocking structure 123 (FIG. 2B) in the closed containerconfiguration. Any suitable configuration may be used to form such aninterlocking structure. For example, each of the side walls 112 and 122may contain a male or female configuration, respectively, on the edgesso as to form a male/female interlocking structure 123 when the firstportion 110 and the second portion 120 are in a closed containerconfiguration. For another example, each of the side walls 112 and 122may contain a matching step-wise configuration on the edges. As shown inFIGS. 2A-2B, the side walls 112 in the first portion may have a downwardstep or flange on the exterior surface of the exemplary apparatus 100.The side walls 122 may have an upward step on the interior surface ofthe exemplary apparatus 100. When the first portion 110 is closed downonto the second portion 120, the side walls 112 and 122 form a matchedinterlocking structure 123. Any interlocking structure 123 providesexcellent sealing for the exemplar apparatus 100 to prevent fromexternal dust and moisture. In some embodiments the exemplary apparatus100 in the closed container configuration are sealed airtight in someembodiments.

Each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 120 including thecomponent therein may be one unitary molded piece in some embodiments.The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 can be molded from asame or different material, which may be plastic, plastoelastomer,elastomer, composite, or any other polymer containing material. Thematerial may comprise a suitable polymer, including but not limited to,polycarbonate, polyester (e.g., PET), polyolefin, or any combinationthereof. The material may comprise a conductive filler such as metals ora conductive polymer to provide anti-static properties. The material hasa smooth surface, and also has high strength, toughness, and impactresistance. The resulting apparatus does not break upon a mechanicalshock. Such a material may be translucent, transparent or opaque. Insome embodiments, a UV resistant translucent material is used. Thematerial is also resistant to chemicals such as acids, bases, andorganic solvents, and can be washed after use. The material alsowithstands a temperature up to a limit, for example, 100° C., 120° C.,or 150° C. In some embodiments, the material has a continuoustemperature rating up to 120° C.

The exemplary apparatus 100 may be in any suitable size, for example, 16mm×42 mm×42 mm, 19 mm×64 mm×64 mm, 20 mm×110 mm×90 mm, or 20 mm×165mm×165 mm (height×length×width).

Referring to FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the first portion 110 and thesecond portion 120 form an enclosure 135 in a closed containerconfiguration. The exemplary apparatus 100 further comprises at leastone, for example, two or more shelves (not shown) above the bottom wall121 of the second portion 120 configured to store and securesemiconductor elements. The shelves are disposed vertically orhorizontally in the enclosure 135. The semiconductor elements aredisposed inside the apparatus 100 when the first and second portions 110and 120 are in a closed configuration. The apparatus 100 is used forstoring and transporting semiconductor elements, without anycontamination from outside or any damage from chemicals, mechanicalshock, heat or UV.

Referring to FIG. 3, another view of the exemplary apparatus 100 in theclosed container configuration is illustrated, showing the latch 114 andthe catch structure 124 on the front side walls 112-1 and 122-1. Thelatch 114 has at least a portion (e.g., a middle portion with thinnerthickness) releasably secured inside the recess 125 defining by thecatch structure 124 in the closed container configuration. In someembodiments, the latch 114 has an end 114-2, which is configured to bepushed toward to the surface of the second front wall 122-1. The end114-2 may have a movable button. When the button is pushed inward, theend 114-2 may stay in and reduces the thickness, that allows the end114-2 to pass through the recess 125. The latch 114 can be released outfrom the recess 125. The first portion 110 can be pivotally moved awayfrom the second portion 120 to open the apparatus 100. When the buttonis pushed again, the button is moved outward to increase the thicknessof the end 114-2. The button stays outward and locks the latch 114 andthe catch structure 124.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, another view of the exemplary apparatus100 in the closed container configuration is illustrated, showing theexemplary structures on the rear side walls 112-2 and 122-2 in someembodiments. In some embodiments, the at least one pivotal pin structure116 in the first portion 110 comprises two pivotal pin structures 116.The at least one pin holder 126 in the second portion comprises two pinholders 126. Each respect pivotal pin structure 116 is engaged with arespective pin holder 126. The two pivotal pin structures may have asame dimension and are aligned at a same direction parallel to eachother (see also FIG. 1E).

The exemplary apparatus 100 also comprises a bumper 128 extending fromthe second rear side wall 122-2, and a storage medium for wirelesscommunication 130 (e.g., a RFID device). The storage medium for wirelesscommunication 130 is disposed with a space between the bumper 128 andthe second rear side wall 122-2 in some embodiments (FIG. 1C). Thestorage medium for wireless communication 130 may have an elongatedshape such as a cylindrical or rod-like shape. Referring to FIG. 4B, thesize of the entrance between the bumper 128 and the second rear sidewall 122-2 or the dimension between the bumper 128 and the at least onepin holder 126 may be smaller than the diameter of the storage mediumfor wireless communication 130. A force is needed to push the storagemedium for wireless communication 130 into such a space, and the storagemedium for wireless communication 130 is secured between the bumper 128and the second rear side wall 122-2. Additionally, the second rear wallmay provide two blocking pieces 131 to accommodate the length of thestorage medium for wireless communication 130 to prevent the dislocationof the storage medium for wireless communication 130.

Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary method 500 for forming an exemplaryapparatus 100 is illustrated. At step 502, a first portion 110 asdescribed herein is provided. The first portion 110 comprises a firstfront side wall 112-1, a first rear side wall 112-2, additional sidewalls 112-3 and 112-4, a top wall 111 integrally coupled with sidewalls, and at least one pivotal pin structure 116 integrally coupledwith and extending from the first rear side wall 112-2. The at least onepivotal pin structure 116 comprises a base support 116-1 connected withthe first rear side wall 112-2, a shaft 116-2 connected with the basesupport 116-1, and a head 116-3 connected with the shaft 116-2 andhaving a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

At step 504, a second portion 120 as described herein is provided. Thesecond portion 120 comprises a second front side wall 122-1, a secondrear side wall 122-2, additional side walls 112-3 and 112-4, a bottomwall 121 integrally coupled with side walls, and at least one pin holder126 integrally coupled with and extending from the second rear side wall122-2. The at least one pin holder defines an opening sized and shapedto accept the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure at analignment.

At step 506, the first portion and the second portion are tiltedrelative to each other at a pre-determined angle. Referring to FIG. 6,in some embodiments, the second portion 120 further comprises a bumper128 integrally coupled with and extending from the second rear side wall122-2. The bumper 128 is shaped and sized to contacts the first portion110 so as to provide the pre-determined angle so that the head 116-3 ofthe at least one pivotal pin structure 116 can be pushed through theopening 127 for installation of the apparatus. The bumper 128 has anexterior surface contacting the surface of the first rear side wall112-2. A top portion of the bumper 128 contacts a bottom point of the atleast one pin holder 126, and contacts the surface of the first rearside wall 112-2. At this position, the top wall 111 of the first portion110 and the bottom wall 121 of the second portion 120 form thepre-determined angle (labelled as θ in FIG. 6). At this position, insome embodiments, the non-circular cross-sectional shape of a head 116-3of the at least one pivotal pin structure 116, and the non-circularcross-sectional shape of the opening 127 are oriented at a samedirection. In addition, the first portion 110 and the second portion 120need to be in this position for pulling out the head 116-3 from theopening 127 to dissemble the apparatus 100.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, in some embodiments, when the firstportion 110 comprises two pivotal pin structures 116, and the secondportion comprises two pin holders 126, each respect pivotal pinstructure 116 is slidably mounted to and engaged with a respective pinholder 126. The two pivotal pin structures 116 and the two pin holders126 are aligned in one same axis and at a same direction parallel toeach other.

At step 508, referring to FIGS. 7A-7B, the head 116-3 of the at leastone pivotal pin structure 116 is extended through the opening 127. Theresulting structure is illustrated in FIG. 7C. Step 506 may be performedby a pushing force. The first portion 110 and the second portion 120 arepivotally movable between an open configuration and a closed containerconfiguration.

At step 510, a storage medium for wireless communication 130 isinstalled between the bumper 128 and the second rear side wall 122-2.

The apparatus 100 can be also reversibly dissembled. The method fordissembling the apparatus 100 comprises steps of opening the apparatus100 by pushing the end of the end of the latch 114, tilting the firstportion 110 and the second portion 120 at the pre-determined angle, andpulling the head 116-3 of the at least one pivotal pin structure 116 outof the opening 127 so as to separate the first portion 110 and thesecond portion 120.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus, and a method of making thesame. The apparatus is used for storing and transporting semiconductorelements.

In accordance with some embodiments, such an apparatus comprises twobody portions including a first portion (or a first body portion) and asecond portion (or a second body portion). The first portion comprises afirst front side wall, a first rear side wall, and a top wall integrallycoupled with the first front side wall and the first rear side wall. Thefirst portion also comprises at least one pivotal pin structureintegrally coupled with and extending from the first rear side wall. Theat least one pivotal pin structure comprises a base support connectedwith the first rear side wall, a shaft connected with the base support,and a head connected with the shaft and having a non-circularcross-sectional shape.

The second portion comprises a second front side wall, a second rearside wall, and a bottom wall integrally coupled with the second frontside wall and the second rear side wall. The second portion alsocomprises at least one pin holder integrally coupled with and extendingfrom the second rear side wall. The at least one pin holder defines anopening sized and shaped to accept the head of the at least one pivotalpin structure at an alignment. The head of the at least one pivotal pinstructure extends through the opening. The first portion and the secondportion are sized and shaped to be pivotally movable between an openconfiguration and a closed container configuration.

In some embodiments, the first portion further comprises a latch havinga projection and integrally connected with the first front side wall.The second portion further comprises a catch structure defining arecess. The catch structure integrally connects with the second frontwall. The projection of the latch has at least a portion releasablysecured inside the recess in the closed container configuration. In someembodiments, the projection of the latch has an end, which is configuredto pushed and release the projection out from the recess to move thefirst portion away from the second portion so as to form an openconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the first portion and the second portion havematching edges in the side walls to form an interlocking structure inthe closed container configuration. The apparatus in the closedcontainer configuration are sealed airtight in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the opening in the at least one pin holder has anon-circular cross-sectional shape matching with and havingsubstantially the same size as or slightly larger size than thenon-circular cross-sectional shape of the head of the at least onepivotal pin structure. The head of the at least one pivotal pinstructure, and the opening of the at least one pin holder are sized andshaped to allow the head to pass through the opening when the firstportion and the second portion are tilted at a pre-determined angle.

In some embodiments, the second portion further defines a slot. Theshaft in the at least one pivotal pin structure is rotatably disposedinside the slot. The shaft may have a cylindrical or any other suitableshape so as to be rotatable.

In some embodiments, the at least one pivotal pin structure in the firstportion comprises two pivotal pin structures. The at least one pinholder in the second portion comprises two pin holders. Each respectpivotal pin structure is engaged with a respective pin holder. The twopivotal pin structures may have a same dimension and are aligned at asame direction parallel to each other.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a storage mediumfor wireless communication, for example, a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device. In some embodiments, the second portionfurther comprises a bumper integrally coupled with and extending fromthe second rear side wall, and disposed below the at least one pinholder. The storage medium for wireless communication is disposedbetween the bumper and the second rear side wall in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one, forexample, two or more shelves above the bottom wall configured to storeand secure semiconductor elements. The semiconductor elements aredisposed inside the apparatus when the first and second portions are ina closed configuration. The apparatus is used for storing andtransporting semiconductor elements, without any contamination fromoutside.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for transporting semiconductorelements, comprises a first portion and a second portion. The firstportion comprises a first front side wall, a first rear side wall, a topwall integrally coupled with the first front side wall and the firstrear side wall, and at least one pivotal pin structure integrallycoupled with and extending from the first rear side wall. The secondportion comprises a second front side wall, a second rear side wall, abottom wall integrally coupled with the second front side wall and thesecond rear side wall, and at least one pin holder and a bumperintegrally coupled with and extending from the second rear side wall.The at least one pivotal pin structure comprises a base supportconnected with the first rear side wall, a shaft connected with the basesupport, and a head connected with the shaft and having a non-circularcross-sectional shape. The at least one pin holder defines an openingsized and shaped to accept the head of the at least one pivotal pinstructure at an alignment between the first portion and the secondportion. The head of the at least one pivotal pin structure extendsthrough the opening. The first portion and the second portion are sizedand shaped to be pivotally movable between an open configuration and aclosed container configuration. Such an apparatus may further comprise astorage medium for wireless communication disposed between the bumperand the second rear side wall.

In some embodiments, the head of the at least one pivotal pin structureand the opening of the at least one pin holder are sized and shaped toallow the head to pass through the opening when the first portion andthe second portion are tilted at a pre-determined angle. The bumper ofthe second portion is configured to contact the first portion so as toprovide the pre-determined angle. In some embodiments, the secondportion further defines a slot, and the shaft in the at least onepivotal pin structure has a cylindrical shape and is rotatably disposedinside the slot.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for formingan apparatus as described herein. Such a method comprises providing afirst portion and provide a second portion. The first portion comprisesa first front side wall, a first rear side wall, a top wall integrallycoupled with the first front side wall and the first rear side wall, andat least one pivotal pin structure integrally coupled with and extendingfrom the first rear side wall. The at least one pivotal pin structurecomprises a base support connected with the first rear side wall, ashaft connected with the base support, and a head connected with theshaft and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The secondportion comprises a second front side wall, a second rear side wall, abottom wall integrally coupled with the second front side wall and thesecond rear side wall, and at least one pin holder integrally coupledwith and extending from the second rear side wall. The at least one pinholder defines an opening sized and shaped to accept the head of the atleast one pivotal pin structure at an alignment.

Such a method further comprises steps of tilting the first portion andthe second portion at a pre-determined angle, and extending the head ofthe at least one pivotal pin structure through the opening so that thefirst portion and the second portion are pivotally movable between anopen configuration and a closed container configuration. In someembodiments, the second portion further comprises a bumper integrallycoupled with and extending from the second rear side wall. The bumpercontacts the first portion so as to provide the pre-determined angle sothat the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure can be pushedthrough the opening for installation of the apparatus, or be pulled outfrom the opening for dissembling the apparatus. In some embodiments, themethod for making the apparatus comprises a step of installing a storagemedium for wireless communication between the bumper and the second rearside wall. The apparatus can be also reversibly dissembled. The methodfor dissembling the apparatus comprises steps of tilting the firstportion and the second portion at the pre-determined angle, and pullingthe head of the at least one pivotal pin structure out of the opening soas to separate the first portion and the second portion.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that thoseskilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the presentdisclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they mayreadily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifyingother processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/orachieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein.Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalentconstructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentdisclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, andalterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a first portioncomprising a first front side wall, a first rear side wall, a top wallintegrally coupled with the first front side wall and the first rearside wall, and at least one pivotal pin structure integrally coupledwith and extending from the first rear side wall; a second portioncomprising a second front side wall, a second rear side wall, a bottomwall integrally coupled with the second front side wall and the secondrear side wall, and at least one pin holder integrally coupled with andextending from the second rear side wall; and a storage medium forwireless communication, wherein the at least one pivotal pin structurecomprises a base support connected with the first rear side wall, ashaft connected with the base support, and a head connected with theshaft and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, the at least onepin holder defines an opening sized and shaped to accept the head of theat least one pivotal pin structure at an alignment, the head of the atleast one pivotal pin structure extends through the opening, the firstportion and the second portion are sized and shaped to be pivotallymovable between an open configuration and a closed containerconfiguration, and the second portion further comprises a bumperintegrally coupled with and extending from the second rear side wall,and disposed below the at least one pin holder; and the storage mediumfor wireless communication is disposed between the bumper and the secondrear side wall.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portionfurther comprises a latch having a projection and integrally connectedwith the first front side wall, the second portion further comprises acatch structure defining a recess, and the projection of the latch has aportion releasably secured inside the recess in the closed containerconfiguration.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portionand the second portion have matching edges to form an interlockingstructure in the closed container configuration.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the opening in the at least one pin holder has anon-circular cross-sectional shape matching with and havingsubstantially the same size as the non-circular cross-sectional shape ofthe head of the at least one pivotal pin structure.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure andthe opening of the at least one pin holder are sized and shaped to allowthe head to pass through the opening when the first portion and thesecond portion are tilted at a pre-determined angle.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the second portion further defines a slot, and theshaft in the at least one pivotal pin structure is rotatably disposedinside the slot.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least onepivotal pin structure in the first portion comprises two pivotal pinstructures, the at least one pin holder in the second portion comprisestwo pin holders, and each respect pivotal pin structure is engaged witha respective pin holder.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the twopivotal pin structures have a same dimension and are aligned at a samedirection parallel to each other.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe storage medium for wireless communication is a radio-frequencyidentification (RFID) device.
 10. An apparatus for transportingsemiconductor elements, comprising: a first portion comprising a firstfront side wall, a first rear side wall, a top wall integrally coupledwith the first front side wall and the first rear side wall, and atleast one pivotal pin structure integrally coupled with and extendingfrom the first rear side wall; a second portion comprising a secondfront side wall, a second rear side wall, a bottom wall integrallycoupled with the second front side wall and the second rear side wall,and at least one pin holder and a bumper integrally coupled with andextending from the second rear side wall; and a storage medium forwireless communication disposed between the bumper and the second rearside wall, wherein the at least one pivotal pin structure comprises abase support connected with the first rear side wall, a shaft connectedwith the base support, and a head connected with the shaft and having anon-circular cross-sectional shape, the at least one pin holder definesan opening sized and shaped to accept the head of the at least onepivotal pin structure at an alignment, the head of the at least onepivotal pin structure extends through the opening, and the first portionand the second portion are sized and shaped to be pivotally movablebetween an open configuration and a closed container configuration. 11.The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the head of the at least one pivotalpin structure and the opening of the at least one pin holder are sizedand shaped to allow the head to pass through the opening when the firstportion and the second portion are tilted at a pre-determined angle. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the bumper of the second portion isconfigured to contact the first portion so as to provide thepre-determined angle.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the secondportion further defines a slot, and the shaft in the at least onepivotal pin structure has a cylindrical shape and is rotatably disposedinside the slot.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the storagemedium for wireless communication is a radio-frequency identification(RFID) device.
 15. An apparatus for transporting semiconductor elements,comprising: a first portion comprising a first front side wall, a firstrear side wall, a top wall integrally coupled with the first front sidewall and the first rear side wall, and at least one pivotal pinstructure integrally coupled with and extending from the first rear sidewall; a second portion comprising a second front side wall, a secondrear side wall, a bottom wall integrally coupled with the second frontside wall and the second rear side wall, and at least one pin holder anda bumper integrally coupled with and extending from the second rear sidewall; and a storage medium for wireless communication disposed betweenthe bumper and the second rear side wall, wherein the at least onepivotal pin structure comprises a base support connected with the firstrear side wall, a shaft connected with the base support, and a headconnected with the shaft and having a non-circular cross-sectionalshape, the at least one pin holder defines an opening sized and shapedto accept the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure at analignment, the head of the at least one pivotal pin structure extendsthrough the opening, the first portion and the second portion are sizedand shaped to be pivotally movable between an open configuration and aclosed container configuration, and an entrance between the bumper andthe second rear side wall has a size smaller than a diameter of thestorage medium for wireless communication.
 16. The apparatus of claim15, wherein the storage medium for wireless communication is aradio-frequency identification (RFID) device.